What is Pilates
Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates, who as a child, had illnesses that left him quite frail.
He tried to overcome the effects of his sicknesses, by researching different exercise methods.
While he was researching, he became fond of the idea of being balanced in body, mind and spirit, so used it to design his own exercise method.
Contrology
Pilates called his exercise ‘contrology’ because of the way it helped to control and unify the body, mind and spirit, but it was renamed ‘Pilates’ after he passed away.
Since his death, 6 key Pilates principles have been drawn out of his exercise philosophy and are used to continue practicing the ‘Pilates Method’ all over the world!
The 6 Pilates Principles
1. Breathing
Pilates believed that breathing is the most important part of exercise and that people should learn the art of deep breathing.
Fill your lungs until they feel full and then exhale all the air back out, and that helps you to focus on the exercise and pushes the blood to your muscles.
2. Concentration
If you focus and become more mindful of each movement, you will get the most out of each exercise.
It improves the connection between your mind and body and gives you a better awareness of your body’s movements.
3. Centering
Pilates called the core the ‘powerhouse’ of your body, from where all energy for exercise comes from.
If you focus on your core, you can not only calm your body and your spirit, but help your muscles work more efficiently.
4. Control
Controlling and pacing your movements will allow you to direct every movement with correct form. Proper, safe and complete muscle control is better for getting good results than speed and high intensity.
5. Precision
Performing an exercise with deliberate accuracy is more important than doing lots of repetitions with sloppier form.
6. Flow
Each movement in Pilates should be smooth and graceful – think of ballet!
Continuous, smooth and elegant movement as you work from one pose, exercise or movement to another helps increase your strength and stamina.
Pilates – Give It A Go!
Fancy giving Pilates a go but still not sure you’re up to it?
Rest assured, Phyx. supports newcomers and addicts alike, and both benefit from the key principles of Pilates.
The practice can easily be adapted to support every age, gender, intensity and complexity whilst minimising the risk of injury and infusing a Pilates philosophy that benefits everyone.
So if you are in Adelaide why not book a Pilates Class today!
Have a question about the 6 Pilates principles that Joseph and his millions of admirers believe in so deeply?
We’d love to start inspiring you today, so feel free to get in touch or leave a comment.
